This is on my newly acquired '80 245.

Whenever I try to turn the car at low speeds, the car dies. This is usually after I've started it -- not at higher speeds. I'm not sure how/why this would occur. Also, at low speeds the steering groans loudly. I looked at the service records and the PO replaced the steering pump not too long ago. Could this have been installed incorrectly? My '81 242 does not have this issue at all.

Any clues to getting this puzzle solved...would be greatly appreciated!

What is your idle rpm one warmed up? Is it to spec, or is it too low. If it is too low, it could cause the PS induced stall and the low voltage from the alt. Tweak idle as needed.

jorrell
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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

Could be that power steering pump is taking too much power for the motor to keep up with at slow (idle) speeds...

I forget how it is in a 240, but in earlier pushrod stuff, it is possible for the coil -> distributor wire to get hung up in the steering column. I've had that happen in my 1800...

I doubt that's the case, but maybe worth a look see...

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-Matt I ♥ my ♂

The coil is on the passenger side front fender and goes across the valve cover to the dizzy. So I can safely say that's not the cause of this phenomenon. Although, the coil is mounted in the opposite location (driver's side) in my '81 and I could see how it could cause issues.

But -- on the other hand -- that's an intriguing thought about taking too much power at idle. The car has a voltmeter (PO was an electrical engineer) and the meter fluctuates at idle. I have to rev the motor a little to get the needle in the safe zone. Wondering if the two issues are related.

Groaning, is the fluid level correct and belt tight? Dan

Yes and yes.